Education Careers in Portland

For centuries, teaching has been acknowledged as one of the most rewarding careers that one can pursue. It is also one of the most complex and intellectually demanding professions as well. Throughout history, teachers have directed the education of students and influenced generations through the interpretation and application of knowledge, skills, and values.

The history of education according to Dieter Lenzen, president of the Freie Universität Berlin 1994, "began either millions of years ago or at the end of 1770". The evolution of education and culture, and human beings as a species, depended on this practice of transmitting knowledge. In pre-literate societies, this was achieved orally and through imitation, (story-telling) and continued from one generation to the next. Later, oral language developed into written symbols and letters, thus increasing the depth and breadth of knowledge that could be communicated exponentially.

UNESCO has calculated that in the next 30 years more people will receive formal education than in all of human history thus far.

Employment & Training

Who was your favorite teacher? What made them so special that you remembered and admired them for years to come? Some say they love to teach out of a desire to help children learn and grow. Others say they feel a sense of commitment to the community or the nation, an intellectual fascination with a particular subject (e.g., science or math), or they have been inspired by one of their own teachers. What are your reasons? Whatever your reason may be, now it can be your turn to inspire the next generation of astronauts, nobel prize winners, or even presidents of the Unites States.

Today, teachers play a variety of roles in the classroom including: educator, motivator, guide, role model, coach, and disciplinarian. A teacher must also be prepared for the demands on their time outside of the classroom: grading papers, planning lessons, field trips, school functions, and dealing with a myriad of administrative tasks.

In the state of Oregon, a person who wishes to become a teacher at a state-funded schools must first obtain professional qualifications or credentials from a university or college. When a student completes a teacher preparation program with The Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC), the college/university recommends to TSPC that the candidate be awarded a license. In addition to teaching licenses, TSPC also awards licenses for school counselors, school psychologists, school nurses, and school administrators (e.g., assistant principals, principals, superintendents). The TSPC web site is www.tspc.state.or.us.